Caber Tossing

[Barclay]

Gleaned from wikipedia:

Many think that the caber toss originated with the throwing of logs into enemy battlements or the throwing of logs across rivers to create bridges, or even in the forestry industry.

Doesn't help much, eh? I looked at several sources and nowhere is the origin cited.

[Bil]

I asked this same question when I got into the games 6 years ago. The consistant answer I received was that rivers were used as a means for carrying logs down stream to logging mills. The end-over-end method of caber tossing ensured that the bulk end of the log (being heaved from the bank) would place the log mid stream without worry of bottle necking against the shore line. Seemed a little far fetched but it is the only explanation I have heard, and from way too many sources for me to not believe that there is at least some element of truth to it.

[Yaish]

Some of the Heavy Events have a known base in history. We know the Stone throw events evolved from ancient tests of strength, we know Sheave toss was derived from farm work, and we are pretty sure that Hammer Throw was a test among blacksmiths and the like.

Cabers I think are really just something they added as a "strong man" event, without much practical application. I cant think of anything you can do by tossing a log that way that isnt easier done at least three or four different, quicker ways.

[MacWage]

Smiths throw hammers-> Scots throw WHOLE TREES!

You guys CRACK ME UP!!!!!

[MacWage]

More seriously (thus a seperate post)

Tossing a caber WOULD be useful crossing a ravine (if narrow enough at top).

The only problem-> finding a tree (at least in many of the modern glens and moors- due to over forestry), cutting it down, stripping branches, hauling it to the ravine/river to cross THEN throwing it-> not the most practical method in most cases.

Most likely-> "Hay laddies, WATCH THIS!!!!"

Isn't that the way.

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I was told once that "back in the day" the caber had notches on one side ( the side held to the body) and it would be thrown so that the notches faced up .....why do this? well if its thrown in a straight line....and the notches are up ......and it happens to land against the wall of a castle ....guess what ....you got yourself a ladder up the wall !
I donno if its true ...but its as good a story as anything else!


Scott

[cavscout]

My initial though was "it was for throwing across obstacles to make a means of crossing. Then I thought about this more.

If it was for crossing a creek, it would be more pratical and efficient to carry a log up place the bottom at the near edge, walk the pole verticle and then let it fall straight the across. This would be more accurate than tossing the pole end over end "hoping" it would fall straight and hit the other side rather than go crooked and float away or fall 100's of feet into a hole. I hope someone brought the extra caber

Even if to lean on a wall, again, why toss it when it would be a more certain method to carry it up and place the base where you want it rather than leave so much to chance in the heat of battle.

My comical opinion is that it was the early form of golf. There was a hole, and the intention was to toss the pole so that it landed in the hole and remained verticle. When the ball was invented the caber was replaced.

[Wompet]

I couldn't resist.

I'm going to go this explanation - that there is no explanation, other than a rabble of Scots with time on their hands and lumber on hand.

[davedove]

My initial though was "it was for throwing across obstacles to make a means of crossing. Then I thought about this more.

If it was for crossing a creek, it would be more pratical and efficient to carry a log up place the bottom at the near edge, walk the pole verticle and then let it fall straight the across. This would be more accurate than tossing the pole end over end "hoping" it would fall straight and hit the other side rather than go crooked and float away or fall 100's of feet into a hole. I hope someone brought the extra caber

Even if to lean on a wall, again, why toss it when it would be a more certain method to carry it up and place the base where you want it rather than leave so much to chance in the heat of battle.

My comical opinion is that it was the early form of golf. There was a hole, and the intention was to toss the pole so that it landed in the hole and remained verticle. When the ball was invented the caber was replaced.

That was pretty much my thought process as well. I can think of uses for a log, but to throw it end over end is terribly impractical.